Ancud , See Map Location,(For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name)
A small town on the north western tip of the big island of Chiloe it's a town steeped in its maritime heritage from it's museums to its unique seafood cuisine.
 

Antofagasta ,See Map Location,(For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name) An older city, Antofagasta is the most important sea port in the north of Chile. You have probably seen on TV or in books a picture of the rock formation out at sea in the shape of a gigantic arch called Portada, that's here too. It also has good beaches with a warm surf (20C). It is located in the world's richest copper mining area and is the site of the world's largest open pit copper mine. Some great Marlin fishing can be found in the surrounding ocean. 

Arica , See Map Location,(For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name)
Known as the city of eternal spring, it is only 30 miles south of the Peruvian border. It's known for delightful restaurants and comfortable, modern hotels. Arica also has a lively night life with the gambling casino open all year round. This city of eternal spring also features some of the nicest beaches in Chile. In addition it was the center of a number of pre-Colombian Indian cultures and in it's museums can be found mummies that pre-date the Egyptians by 2,000 years! It is a great vacation spot.

Bahia Inglesa , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name)Located in the northern end of the bay by the same name (translated English Bay) it has excellent beaches and camp sites. The restaurant Portal del Inca features an excellent menu not to be missed.
 

Calama,See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name)
Great for sight seeing , Calama is close to El Tatio Geysers, the geoliths of the Atacama Desert, and just lots of fun stuff to explore. In the middle of an incredibly beautiful desert, Calama is so dry the locals attach their postage stamps with staples rather than lick them!

Caldera,See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name) Caldera is located 75 km northeast of Copiapó. In the old days it was the port for the city of Copiapó, it was there that minerals extracted from the mine of Chañarcillo were exported. Today it is one of the most important resorts of the region. Caldera is made up of 3 bays with warm waters, interconnected by paved roads. The first is Playa Mansa located right opposite the city, Playa Brava lies to the extreme north, and finally Playa Loreto, 3 km southeast. During the year, the port has a very varied commerce, ranging from the first grapes of the year, destined for international markets, to the transport of copper concentrate. It’s also an important port for traditional and industrial fishermen. While there you should visit the San Vicente Church, built in 1862, and near the coast, the Old Railroad Station built in 1850.!

Castro , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name)
The second largest town on Chiloe island it is located on the coast side facing the continent. Castro was founded in 1567. Its unique and delicious local cuisine features Curanto which is seafood and pork cooked in the ground with hot stones. That may sound a little strange but the taste is great.

Chaiten,See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name).The capital of Palena Province boasts 3,500 inhabitants, it is important as a port for ferries to Puerto Montt and Quellon and is a growing center for adventure tourism and fishing excursions. Off shore there is a Sea Lion colony on Puduguapi Island that can be visited by boat.

Chillan,also includes Chillan Ski Area , See Map Location , (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name) A sleepy, dusty agricultural town about 280 miles south of Santiago on the Panamericana like everything else. It's claim to fame is a ski resort about 40 miles away. It is the birthplace of Bernardo O'Higgins, liberator of Chile and good buddy of San Martin, of course they're both dead but there is a very nice park there in his honor. Chillan also has one of Chile's largest tourist flea markets where you can buy all manner of tourist stuff at not so bad prices. The ski area deserves special comment. It is about a 1 1/2 hour drive from Chillan and it features hot mineral baths, saunas and other ways to relax . They are great to have handy because it's ski slopes can certainly give you a workout. There are a number of hotels there with all the ski type stuff, bars, restaurants and of course beds. SEE ALSO LAS TRANCAS SKI AREA

Colchagua Valley, Wine Area. See Map Location.(For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name).The Colchagua Valley is one of the World's best wine growing areas. In fact in 2005 it was voted the World's best wine producing area. It is located about 75 miles southwest of Santiago and easily reached by Chile's main North/South highway, the Panamericana. The Colchagua Valley itself is about 73 miles long and approximately 23 miles wide. As with all premier wine growing area the keys to its success are weather and soil.  The valley has a balmy, climate matched only by parts of France and California also known for a reputation of producing fine wines. The air is exceptionally clear without smog or pollutants, and blessed by abundant sunshine and pure water. The average annual rainfall is an ideal 25 inches and happens mostly in Chile's winter months (May to August) and freezing temperatures are very, very rare. The Colchagua Valley is not unlike the Sonoma and Napa valleys of California.These ideal situations from a vintners point of has made this area the home of Chile's most honored wine producers. A tour of it a must do for anyone who really wants to understand Chile's wine producers and who appreciates fine wines.

Colina , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name)
Located about 60 Km north of Santiago, Colina is an agricultural town that once was the site of a large Inca settlement. Mixing the old with the new, nearby is the joint NASA and Chilean University satellite tracking station.
 

Concepcion , See Map Location , (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name) One of the largest cities in Chile (after Santiago of course) with about 300,000 people it is primarily a commercial center. Located on the huge Bio Bio river, it is only a short drive to the seaport of Talcahuano. It also features one of the larger Universities in Chile, the University of Concepcion.

Concon, see also Vina Del Mar , See Map Location ,(For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name) Less than 30 minutes from Vina Del Mar via a picturesque ocean side highway there you will find mini-castles, cafes, street vendor stalls and some of the most outstanding restaurants in Chile. Try Congrio ( an eel like fish) either fried or in a casserole, abalone, or crab pie accompanied by some of the great local wines. 

Copiapo, see also Bahia Inglesia,See Map Location , (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name)This small town is located about 500 Km. south of Antofagasta is situated in the fertile Copiapo River valley, an oasis in the desert. Good day tours are available to see the valley and in Copaipo the San Francisco Church and Convent founded in 1662 is certainly worth a visit.

Coquimbo , See Map Location , (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name) This picturesque and once thriving port seems somehow to be frozen in time. Houses with endless steps seem to have come directly out of a century old photograph. Not to be missed is its market featuring handicrafts unique to the region and at very good prices.
 

Coyhaique,See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name).One of the newest cities in Chile it was founded in 1929 to encourage settlement in this sparsely settled region far to the south, it today boasts 40,000 inhabitants. It also features an unsquare town square ( shaped like a pentagon), a large agricultural college and the nearby Coyhaique Natural Reserve awaits the nature lover/hiker.

Curico,See Map Location , (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name)
A small town in the center of the wine country. It is about 200 Km. south of Santiago on the Panamericana, there called Ruta 5 Sur. Curico offers a quite pastoral setting with old world charm.
 

Dichato, See Map Location , (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name).A small town in the center of the wine country. It is about 200 Km. south of Santiago on the Panamericana, there called Ruta 5 Sur. Curico offers a quite pastoral setting with old world charm.
 
 

Easter Island , See Map Location ,(For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name) In Chile it's called Isla de Pascua and the natives there call it Rapa Nui or Te Pito te Henua ( world's belly button). It is 14 miles long by 7 miles wide and it's actually about the only city not on the Panamericana, it's about 2,332 miles off the coast. Known for its Moais (stone statues), it is a must for people into ancient mysteries. Some of these Moais weigh up to 50 tons and are over 25 feet high. Also ancient shrines, some 240 in all, dot the island. It is about a 3 day do. Don't expect a lot of discos and movie houses, but its natural beauty more than makes up for their absence. There are frequent flights from Santiago that take about 4 or 5 hours.

El Colorado, see also ski areas Farrelones, Valle Nevado, See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name) One of the newer ski areas, El Colorado is located only 40 Km. from Santiago at an altitude of 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) and is the highest of the two sister ski villages (Farellones being the other) . This is a modern ski complex with 19 ski lifts, lodging, ski shops, restaurants, night clubs and artificial snow making equipment ( just in case) El Colorado is a great place to have that weekend or longer ski holiday. 

Ensenada,See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name)Located right on the shore of Lake Llanquihue, it is one of the ports of call of the regular boat tours originating in Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt. Things worth seeing are the beautiful Green Lagoon which gets its unique color and name from a peculiar algae and the nearby Vicente Perez Rosales National Park.

Entre Lagos, See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name) Located 45 Km from Osorno this small lake port serves the timber industry of region. For some of the best steaks available be sure and stop at the Pub de Campo.
 

Farellones, see also ski areas Valle Nevado, El Colorado, See Map Location. (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name) One of the hot snow ski areas, it's only 50 Km from Santiago and features over 16 ski lifts it shares with its sister city El Colorado.
 

Frutillar , See Map Location , (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name).World renowned for it's music weeks (Semanas Musicas) held every year in February, Fruitillar is also a summer resort. A center of German immigration founded in 1856 it boasts of the having the most southern living palm tree in the world. Worth seeing are the Settler's Museum and the German Cemetery. 

Iquique , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name) Once the center of the mining of nitrates ( used in explosives and fertilizer), Iquique still maintains the nostalgic mood of that bygone era in many of the older buildings that have been preserved. It was also the site of one of the largest naval battles in history. It features a duty free shopping area and beautiful white sand beaches for those who just want to relax. Just off the coast the sportsman will find excellent salt water fishing. Iquique is located about 350 km. south of Arica.

Isla Negra, See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name).This is a small and beautiful village located on a rocky point on the coast roughly parallel to Santiago and is flanked by some of the best beaches in Chile. The Cordoba Lagoon is one of the highlights, but the main attraction is the former beach house of Pablo Neruda a Noble Prize winning writer . Unique and world renown are the Isla Negra Weavers who have created an special style of embroidered tapestry prized around the world for its beauty. 

Jahuel , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name)
Traveling east from Santiago one encounters Los Andes, San Felipe, Almendral and finally at an altitude of 1180 meters Termas de Jahuel. With a breathtaking view of the valley it features hot spring baths and really great eating.
 
 

La Herradura , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name) Just 12 minutes south of La Serena it is in a unique cove with a strong mining history and a heavy tourist inclination these days. In almost no time it has grown from a 1 hotel cove to now boasting a large selection of sophisticated hotels and restaurants. Close to just about everything, and having some of the best beaches in Chile it is the "in" spot of the region.

La Parva, See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). A winter ski center, it is a little over an hour by car from Santiago. It is so close to its neighboring resort cities of Farellones and El Colorado that you can actually shift between all three by using different lifts.
 

La Serena see also Coquimbo, La Herradura , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name)This is one of the fastest growing tourist areas in Chile. It is known for the beauty of its colonial and neo colonial architecture. It also has one of the largest handicraft markets in the area where you can find the unique Indian pottery of the Diaguitas Indians, woolens and articles made of the beautiful Guayacan wood. It also has great beaches and modern hotels.
 

Las Termas and Las Trancas Ski Area,See map location.(For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). Las Trancas is on the main road from Chillán City  to Nevados de Chillán. Nevados de Chillan (also known as Termas de Chillan) has world class skiing, with some of the best powder snow in South America, set in pristine native forests. It has unmatched snow conditions, and is regularly used for Olympic ski training for skiers from the Northern Hemisphere during their summer months.  Las Trancas itself is 65 km (40miles from the city of  Chillan via paved road, and just 8km (4.5 miles) to the ski resort. The village has a number of bars, restaurants and small supermarkets, it has a good number of tourist facilities including resorts at a considerable cost saving over the one at Nevados de Chillan.

La Union , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). With less than 20,000 people it is located on the banks of the Rio Bueno ( Good River) and has a decidedly German flavor. Founded as a support for German immigrants its main business today is agriculture.
 

Lican Ray , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). Now it is a small but lively summer tourist destination located on the shores of Lake Calafquen in the Lake District near Villarrica. In 1958 it was a quaint village of settlers connected to the rest of the world only by boat. In that dark year the land the town was on was targeted to be flooded by the construction of the Pullinque dam. Well it didn't happen so instead the government targeted it as a new tourist development. From that dark hour to today it has developed into a small but thriving tourist area with a complete infrastructure for enjoying its many charms. 

Linares,See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). Founded in 1794, Linares is the now center of the sugar beet industry . It is a smallish agricultural town in the center of Chile. Linaresis also noted for a number of nearby thermal springs resorts.
 

Los Andes , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). Two and a half hours north of Santiago by car, it is famous for its Chilean style rodeos and it holds on to its cowboy traditions. Chilean cowboy traditions. 
 

Los Angeles , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). A city of about 70,000 people in the near south or about 340 miles from Santiago, it lies on the banks of the Quilque river. Founded in 1739 it is now an agricultural center with a strong emphasis on dairy products. It is just to the north of the lake country but not actually "Lake Country" It is on Panamericana, as is almost everything else in Chile, and has very limited and spotty air service. It is a nice little agricultural town, just like "LA"(California) give or take 7 million people. 

Los Vilos , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). If you are going to Coquimbo or La Serena it is a mandatory stop about three and a half hours north of Santiago. Its largest group of inhabitants seem to be the Pelicans but it also has a lot of summer camps, good hotels and great seafood.
 
 

Maitencillo, see also Marbella , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). Actually it is an ocean resort made of two long beaches, interestingly broken up here and there by rock formations and tidal pools. 
 

Marbella, see also Vina Del Mar, Maitencillo,See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). Actually more of a resort than a city it is only 145 KM. by good highway from Santiago and only 40 minutes from Vina Del Mar. It features a variety of hotels and villas in the Mediterranean style, 18 hole championship golf course, restaurants and night clubs. A great place to get away for a week or a weekend. It is fashionable for the corporate vacationer and conventions.

Osorno , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). In the heart of the Lake District and the German presence in the south, Osorno has breath taking scenery year round but is especially nice in the summer, their summer. It is on the Panamericana and also has fairly frequent air service from Santiago. There is some really great fishing there. Close by Antillanca is a favored ski area with firm snow, fine hotel and 4 ski lifts.

Panguipulli , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). The guide to pronunciation not available, but you don't have to pronounce it to find it and it's worth it when you do. Part of the Interlake transportation service in the south it is located around a cove of a lake of the same name. If the beauty of the scenery wasn't enough the inhabitants have embellished it with roses that abound.

Peulla, see also Ensenada, See Map Location,(For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). In the Lake District, Peulla is the eastern port of Lake Todos Los Santos. The emerald green waters that surround it are almost as exciting as the launch rides across it. After stopping at Ensenada, Petrohue Falls and Petrohue Village the daily ferry takes you across All Saints Lake to Peulla. You can either stay at the very comfortable hotel or go through Perez Rosales pass to Casa Pangue in Argentina and continue to San Carlos Bariloche. Peulla is a great place for honeymoons or getting away from it all.

Pichidangui,See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). Another phonetic exercise it is located very close to the Pan-American Highway just before Los Vilos on the way to La Herradura. It has a very nice beach and is well liked by local water sports enthusiasts.
 

Portillo , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name).This is one of the oldest and best known ski resorts in Chile, starting operations in 1946. It is located next to the Inca Lagoon high in the Andes 145 KM. from Santiago. It has a variety of slopes with 12 lifts and reaching a summit of 3,350 meters. Its ski slopes will challenge both the experienced and beginning skier. The hotel with over 400 beds, heated swimming pool, saunas, discos, solarium, movies and restaurants insure its popularity. See also other Chilean ski areas like Valle Nevado, El Colorado, Farellones etc.

Pucon,See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name)
In the Lake District, set in the southeast shore of Lake Villarrica, Villarrica Volcano provides not only a dramatic backdrop behind the town but also slopes for skiing in the winter. Fishing here in the summer is superb and there is gambling for the more adventurous. Pucón is one of the hottest tourist destination in all of southern Chile, both for Chileans and foreigners. Pucón is nestled against the Villarrica volcano, on the shores of lake Villarrica. It has the feel of an undiscovered Aspen Colorado, with fly fishing, skiing, and rafting at the core tourist activities. Unlike Aspen Colorado, Pucón has something different to offer. 
 

Puerto Aysen, See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). With only 14,000 inhabitants it has long been pioneer country and bears the burden of its harsh climate. When you leave Coyhaique going south to Puerto Aysen you pass by two great scenic spots the Rio Simpson National Park and the Velo de la Novia (Bride's Veil Falls) both worth the stop.

Puerto Montt, See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). Located at the end of continental Chile it offers everything: a gateway to Puerto Varas and the scenic lakes of the south; launching site for the fabulous boat tours that take tourists to the southern channels region it is also a busy port and center for the agriculture and timber trades. You know those gigantic trout you hear about, well fisherman come to this area for great fly fishing. It is about 1,000 KM. south of Santiago. This is a truly great place for those that love the outdoors.

Puerto Natales , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). The biggest point from the view of the tourist is that it is the entrance to the Torres del Paine, magnificent and complex granite peaks in a microclimate that attract tourists from around the world. Located in the far south, from here you can take one of those famous boat rides to the area's glaciers where you can toast with a scotch on the rocks, with ice over 20,000 years old. The area offers the rugged scenic vistas Chile is known for.

Puerto Puyuhuapi, See Map Location,(For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). It is a small seaport in the south located between Puerto Montt and Coyhaique. It offers just basic tourist services but among them are 2 very comfortable hosterias run by German immigrants. To relax the tourist, nearby thermal spas are just the right thing.
 

Puerto Varas , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). Puerto Varas is one of Chile's most charming villages, located on the shore of Lago Llanquihue. Like Pucón, it is an adventure travel hub, and it is also the gateway to the Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales. Unlike its neighbor Puerto Montt, 20 minutes away, it is a spruce little town, with wood-shingled homes, a rose-encircled plaza, a handsomely designed casino, and an excellent tourism infrastructure that provides all the necessary services for visitors without seeming touristy

A great vacation city in the Lake District, just a short ride north from Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas has casinos, restaurants and hotels. Called the city of roses, it stands beside Chile's largest lake, Lake Llanquihue. Across the lake scenery is provided by two magnificent volcanoes. If you are to see just one city in Chile this is it.

Puerto Williams, See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). The Southernmost city in the world. Jumping off point for tours of Antarctica, the Darwin Mountains and the Beagle Channel. Once the hunting grounds for nomadic indian tribes, it first gained notoriety because of the many cruises of Charles Darwin. It is located on Navarino Island, separated from the mainland by the Beagle Channel.

Punta Arenas, See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). The capital of the southern area of Chile it sits on the western shore of the Straits of Magellan. It is the world's southernmost city. Just across the big island of Tierra del Fuego this is a busy city of around 100,000 caters to the oil, sheep and coal industry. This is the kick off point for boat tours of the Straits and a lot of great scenery. It can get cold here in the winter, it's very close to Antarctica.

Putre , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name)
Inland and further north than Arica it's a good place to acclimate yourself before going on an excursion of the highlands of Chungara Lake, It's 3,500 above sea level. You won't feel crowded either, there are only 600 inhabitants.
 

Puyehue,See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name)
Near Osorno (75Km), on the road to Argentina, and the hot springs. It has spacious accommodations and a hotel with a hot spring fed swimming pool. Just a bit south is the Puyehue National Park where another thermal resort, Aguas Calientes can be found.
 

Quillota,See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name)Fifty one Km from Con Con lies this agricultural community once the center of the Inca administration for the large valley . Quite steeped in history, Quillota's valley is the fruit producing area of the region. Lots of old buildings and pastoral surrounding make for a relaxing stay.
 

Quintero,See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). A beach resort located only minutes north from Vina Del Mar, its quite clean beaches offer some of the finest sun worshipping in the world.
 

Rancagua , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name)A largely industrial and agricultural center an hour south of Santiago, Rancagua has a very fast growing economy. Coupled with its growth for the future it also has some important links with the past. It was the site, actually in the town square, where patriots made a brave stand against the Spaniards ( something like the Alamo in Texas) and today it is called the Heroes Square. It has some interesting colonial architecture in La Casa de Pilar de la Esquina and La Casa de la Cultura, its Regional Museum also deserves a visit.

Renaca, see also Vina del Mar (Renaca borders it), See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). It's only 6 km from Vina del Mar and halfway between Vina and Concon . Really only starting in 1947 its recent growth and development with fashionable hotels , restaurants, boulevards, cafes, and discos have made it the must see of the Chilean seaside resort cities . 

Rinihue, no kidding also see Rininahue which it borders, See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). Starting from Villarrica, you go through Lican-Ray and then Lake Rinihue. It was formerly a main port and ship loading area but now the main port has moved leaving it to the vacationers. It is so close to Rininahue (they even share area codes) even the locals sometimes end up in the wrong place.
 

Rininahue, See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name)Difficult to describe except that it is just like its sister city Rinihue.
 
 
 

Robinson Crusoe Island, See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name), Yes it is !! There was really a Robinson Crusoe (actually Alexander Selkirk) and Friday and the island where he was marooned. It's still there off the coast of Chile. Of course with hotels and airplanes it's tough to get marooned unless you want to, sometimes not a bad idea! If you do there is flora and fauna galore, from brilliant red hummingbirds to the incredible number of sandalwood trees.
 

Salta Del Lajas Waterfalls,See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). This is really not a city but a scenic location about 400 miles south of Santiago or about 100 Km south of Chillan. It is a beautiful waterfalls surrounded by trees and greenery. It boasts a number of smaller resorts and the main resort there has accommodations with a magnificent view of the falls and all the amenities including a conference center. It is called the start of the South of Chile.
 

San Antonio , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). Really a bustling and growing seaport roughly on a line with Santiago and about an hour and some to its west, its growth has been phenomenal. It arguable has the best seafood restaurant in the world, La Juanita.
 

San Carlos , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). A small (40,000) agricultural town on the Panamericana about 250 miles south of Santiago. This is the home of the Hussars, a hunting and fishing club. A town noted for its friendliness, it annually features one of the largest fairs in the region.
 

San Felipe, see also Jahuel , See Map Location,(For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). In the center of the northern farming country, it offers a slice of the agricultural life. There you can see Chile's links to the colonial period in buildings dating back to the 1700's. 
 

San Fernando, See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). A strong agricultural past is obvious here in this city founded in 1742. It is in a beautiful valley noted for its warm days and cool evenings. Of special note is Los Lingues, actually 15 Km away, a true colonial house now a hotel , but more than a hotel it is a tradition. Managed by the descendants of the original owners Los Lingues is now listed in Relais and Chateaux, it is really one of the highlights of any visit to Chile.

San Pedro Atacama , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). Atacama says it all, dry hot and your basic desert. It is at 2,440 meters and has only 900 inhabitants but surprisingly has good accommodations and even taxis for hire. However, near here are some incredible and mysterious monoliths and petroliths and a bunch of other liths, "Chariot of the Gods" type stuff.. Also not to be missed is the Archeological Museum founded by a priest, Father Gustavo Le Paige. The story of how he built it single handed is impressive enough until you actually visit it and see the wonders there, from mummies to pre Inca artifacts it is a real lesson of the distant past of the area.

Santa Cruz, See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). Santa Cruz, Chile, means Wine. Santa Cruz is located at the heart of the Colchagua Valley, one of the most traditional and picturesque wine regions of Chile. The vineyard surrounds the town, and the tourism industry has taken off in recent years as the vineyards have turned to international marketing. This is also one of the destinations of the wine train in Chile, that shuttles tourists from Santiago directly to the vineyards. Santa Cruz is located 110 miles South of  Santiago about 2 hours by car. It is just 27 miles west from San Fernando and the Panamerican highway. It is a great place to know the best of Chilean wines.

Santiago, See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name).The capital city is Santiago with 5 million people, a modern, clean, cheap and efficient Metro, opera, modern hotels and restaurants. It is quite cosmopolitan with shopping malls that would rival any in the world and trendy areas like El Bosque and Bellavista with great dining and trendy shops. Spanish is the language and there are many in Chile who speak English, however finding them is difficult, so don't count on it. You can count on the Chilean hospitality that almost more than makes up for language problems you may have. Santiago is the business center with the government offices, stock exchange and for transportation features a large and modern International Airport at Pudahuel, about 25 KM. from Santiago. Santiago has some great tourist things like San Cristobal hill (mountain) that has spectacular city views if the smog doesn't get in the way, yes they have that too. At exactly 12 noon they fire a cannon so don't worry if you hear it, it's loaded with blanks.
It is an easy city to get around in and has more buses per capita than anywhere, and they are all yellow. Cabs are cheap but they are not yellow, well the tops usually are, and the Metro (subway) is clean and very efficient and only charges about 45 cents to go where ever you want. For airport to hotel transfers for only $5 per person each way guaranteed click here.
Major Districts are:

Santo Domingo, or Rocas de Santo Domingo ,See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). 115 Km from Santiago, roughly west of Santiago on the coast, at the mouth of the Maipo river, it is the elite place for summer vacation for Santiago dwellers. The golf club is superb but most of the area is under a condominium system so access is limited.

Socos and Termas de Socos, See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). Located about 270 Km north from Santiago, you leave the Pan-American Highway by turning right on the road to Ovalle. After 2 Km you leave the paved road and take the dirt road where the is a kiosk of Socos, that will take you straight to it. Seriously, it is a bit tricky to find and once you have you encounter a vegetated area (which here is a luxury), thermal pools, a campsite and other accommodations. It is definitely off the beaten path, pretty nearly off any known path!!!!!

Talca , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name)
It is a fairly large agricultural and industrial city with about 130,000 people. It is about 145 miles from Santiago (south) on the Panamericana. It is in the Central valley and a good place to stop if you are making a tour of Chile's wine area.  It has some surprising good hotela and even a casino.

Talcahuano see also Concepcion , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name), With over 200,000 inhabitants it is the leading port in the area and actually the sea port for neighboring Concepcion. It actually has two ports on at Concepcion Bay and one at San Vincente Bay. Of tourist interest is the big fish market featuring small restaurants with food that is good and even by Chilean standards cheap. Another point of interest is a visit to the Huascar, at one time one of the most powerful iron clads afloat. It was captured from Peru in the Pacific War over 100 years ago.

Temuco , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name).In the Lake District, 640 Km. south from Santiago, Temuco was the capital for the Mapuches Indians, who were never actually beaten by the settlers. They ruled most of the south of Chile and spent their time smoking, drinking, and playing hockey...yes hockey. They let their women do all the hard work. That was then, now it is the fastest growing city in Chile and largely business. As to sight seeing Nielol hill and the National Park should not be missed. In Temuco you'll find Huasos (cowboys, Chile style)at work. There is also a large indoor flea market where you can find that special treasure.

Tongoy , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name).Located 60 Km south of La Serena in the north of Chile after a short detour off the Panamericana you'll discover Tongoy and its beaches, one over 14Km . It is a summer place with private summer homes but there are also accommodations for vacationers, restaurants, and water sport facilities.

Torres del Paine , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). Actually a national park in the far south of Chile, it is accessed from Punta Arenas by road. Once you actually enter the park you will find a park road that acts as a self guided tour . It can boast of some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the world. Most noted are the group of mountains known as the Cuernos (Horns) whose dramatic rise into the clear southern skies is truly breathtaking.

Valdivia , See Map Location(For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). A beautiful town that sits on the banks of the Calle-Calle river it was founded in 1552 and now has a population of over 120,000. The overwhelming beauty of the river makes sightseeing of the islands, the ancient forts and surrounding an experience few can resist. Before leaving be certain to try the crab dishes washed down with a crisp local white wine. For the sportsman, go east toward the mountains you will find the world's best fly fishing.

Valle Nevado , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). The "IN" place to ski in Chile. A short distance (more or less except that it is straight up!) 60 KM from Santiago by car, this is one of the newer and more popular Chilean ski resorts. It is located in one of the most spectacular regions of the Andes and features all the amenities one would expect in an international class ski resort: large modern hotel; 8 lifts ( 2 chair); ski lessons; apartments etc.

Valparaiso,See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). This is the working sister city to Vina del Mar. They actually border on each other, more or less. It is about 120 Km west of Santiago. This is the site of the Naval College, and it is the largest sea port for Chile. Its older streets and buildings speak to you strongly of the days when there was no Panama Canal and almost every ship that came around The Horn stopped and left a little of itself and its crew here. Being situated 1/2 on the plane and 1/2 on the surrounding hills its cable cars and dwellings perched on the bluffs offer a unique look to the city. Excellent restaurants, old sailors bars, Viennese coffee shops...this might be your city. 120 KM. west north-west of Santiago and has excellent roads going there.

Vicuna , See Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name)
About 70 Km. from La Serena to the north lies this little village that was founded in 1821. With less than 2,000 souls it an ideal place to relax. It is famous as the birth place of Gabriela Mistral, the Chilean Noble prize poet.
 

Villarrica (see also Lican Ray), See Map Location,(For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name), This small friendly town sits on the southwest corner of the heavily wooded shores of Lake Villarrica. In the winter fishing on the Tolten River is replaced by snow skiing as the favorite recreation. Its views of the Villarrica volcano are part of the inescapable charm of the city.

Vina Del Mar (see also Renaca), See Map Location(For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). Sister city to the largest Chilean seaport, Valparaiso which it actually borders "Vina" as the Chileans call it is Chile's "Riviera"... with casinos, restaurants, night clubs, discos ( yes discos) swimming beach and other resort facilities. Only 120 KM. by car from Santiago it is Santiago's playground and can be very crowded in the summer, Chile's summer months (October to May). In Vina you must dress smart, otherwise you will feel like the ugly duckling so leave your Wrangler bluejeans cutoffs at home.

Zapallar , See Map Location(For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). One of the treasured beaches to Santiago's elite, it is in a sheltered cove with a tremendous boulder in the middle...very recognizable. Beautiful trees and carefully manicured gardens surrounding mansions characterize this resort. 
 

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